Hi guys, my 2000 S430 has another problem with its airmatic on her front driver side. Last year I fixed the front passenger side which cost me $2,100 and change when I took it to a "trusty" mechanic. I have little to no funds this time around and I'd like to know if any of you guys know of any online links to where I can buy the suspension parts and online do-it-yourself catalog myself and fix it over a 5 day period in my driveway. As it sits the car is on its face and is not driveable, i'd have to tow it to the mechanic which will cost more than if I fix it with my brother. I just need to know which parts to get for the front driver side strut or airbag, and tools to fix it. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
The strut and air bag are all one piece (purchased together). You paid way to much for the first fix. I paid 3200 for both to be replaced and have some other minor stuff fixed. The struts are only $1100 OEM Volvo Volkswagen BMW Mercedes Parts
Thanks alot, and how about a replacement for the cracking rubber seal at the top of the strut that is the culprit of the problem. Is there a metal seal replacement that goes in place of the old cracking rubber seal where a strut tower brace would go? I've searched ebay for tools and found a W220 Airmatic Strut Seal Remover Repair Tool for almost $160. Do you guys have any pictorial diagrams on the fixing of the front struts? Thanks for the responses.
thanks alot billyohh for the site, coincidentally I found that site about three days ago. Do you know if each strut has its own air pump. I'm trying to fix it myself the cheapest way and want to buy parts separately. How many parts make up the front driver side and how many steps are there to successfully replace the air pump and /or strut? Thanks so much for your replies guys!!
You'd better find out exactly what is broken before you start throwing expensive parts at it. Strut kits are $71 apiece and dealer labor to replace is a little over $200, and from what I understand you will require special tools and knowledge to do the job yourself. An air pump will add about $500, but you had better know what you are doing. The culprit usually just a relay on the pump that goes bad and causes it to run constantly, and fail. There are a number of threads here on this subject. You should at least do a search before launching into a project like that.
I had a similar problem a few years ago and after lots of research and asking I decided to let my MB dealer sort it. I found it was not just a case or replacing the part which requires some special tools but it also needs to be calibrated afterwards and if this is not done then you may have running problems ( however – with hindsight I’m not sure if this was true)
You will also find a lot of chat about the relay. This is something that is known to MB and they should be replacing this unit every time it has the 'B' service. (It’s on the B service workshop check list). If your car has not been serviced by MB then check this out and make sure you do get it replaced regularly.
However - The thing that really put me off in the end were the reports of cars that just suddenly dropped while being driven and the tyre running into the body work. As my wife also drives the cars with the kids in I decided the risk was too great for me. I know this could happen at anything and but for the extra cost involved I decided to let a professional do the job. ( Once I got the car back I not had another problem with the airmatic ).
I think if you do the research, have all the tools and are competent with a spanner then go ahead. If you have any doubts then step back and have a think.. The cost to fix any damage that you may cause could end up more than the car is worth - or just think of the damage to you.
I had a similar problem a few years ago and after lots of research and asking I decided to let my MB dealer sort it. I found it was not just a case or replacing the part which requires some special tools but it also needs to be calibrated afterwards and if this is not done then you may have running problems ( however – with hindsight I’m not sure if this was true)
You will also find a lot of chat about the relay. This is something that is known to MB and they should be replacing this unit every time it has the 'B' service. (It’s on the B service workshop check list). If your car has not been serviced by MB then check this out and make sure you do get it replaced regularly.
However - The thing that really put me off in the end were the reports of cars that just suddenly dropped while being driven and the tyre running into the body work. As my wife also drives the cars with the kids in I decided the risk was too great for me. I know this could happen at anything and but for the extra cost involved I decided to let a professional do the job. ( Once I got the car back I not had another problem with the airmatic ).
I think if you do the research, have all the tools and are competent with a spanner then go ahead. If you have any doubts then step back and have a think.. The cost to fix any damage that you may cause could end up more than the car is worth - or just think of the damage to you.
I have never heard of the car dropping while being driven... Where'd you hear that?
w220 airmatic woes. HELP Please 
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